Regular maintenance of your chainsaw is essential. This is the only way to ensure smooth operation and therefore safer work!
Chainsaws are subject to heavy use. In order to maintain the service life and performance of chainsaws, regular care and maintenance is necessary. How the chainsaw is stored when not in use also plays a role in functionality. It is best for do-it-yourselfers to check their chainsaw before and after each use. For your own safety, this is just as important as
Chainsaw check before use
Working with a chainsaw is not without its dangers. The be-all and end-all when working with chainsaws is that you operate the chainsaw correctly. This also includes checking before each use whether the device is ready for use and safe operation is guaranteed.
Focus on the following components:
- Saw Chain
- Guide Rail
- Chain Catcher
- Starter Lever
- Throttle
- Throttle Lockout
- Stop Switch
- Combination lever
It is also necessary to check whether the chain brake works without restrictions. In addition, the caps of the fuel tank and oil tank should be tightly closed. No fuel should escape.
In the case of new saw chains, the chain tension must also be checked more frequently. In addition, operation without chain lubrication is to be avoided.
Cleaning chainsaws - that's what matters
If chainsaws are not cleaned regularly, stubborn dirt can make cleaning a real feat of strength. If the sawdust combines with the chain oil, a coating forms which settles in the housing or on the guide rail and is difficult to remove.
The following components have to be cleaned:
- Guide Rail
- Redirection
- Oil entry hole
- Oil exit channel
- Rail groove
- Sprocket cover
- Hood and filter cover
There are differences between electricChainsaws and Gasoline Chainsaws. Electric saws are easier to clean. If it is a cordless chainsaw, however, you must not neglect cleaning the battery compartment. You can use a soft brush or paintbrush for this.
The following overview compares the individual cleaning steps of the different chainsaw types:
| Chainsaw Art | Cleaning Steps |
|---|---|
| Electric Chainsaw |
|
| Gasoline Chainsaw |
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You are also welcome to watch our video on this topic "Cleaning and maintaining chainsaws - instructions & tips".
Tip: If chainsaws are cleaned regularly, they will function smoothly and remain safe to use.
How to sharpen a chainsaw
A dull chainsaw will not produce the desired results and can become a he alth hazard.
Tip: If pressure is required while working and only fine sawdust is ejected, the saw blade is worn and needs to be sharpened.
With the following simple steps it is possible for every do-it-yourselfer to sharpen his chainsaw himself. Since there is no need to consult a specialist dealer, time and money can be saved.
Tip: The guide bar should be turned over after changing or sharpening the chain.
Prepare chain for sharpening!
Before the chain can be sharpened, it must be thoroughly cleaned. Remaining wood shavings and grease will make later sharpening more difficult.
Tip: Take a closer look at the cleaned chain. This way you can tell whether the chain is massively worn or even already torn. If this is the case, sharpening can be omitted and a new chain fitted.
In order to be able to sharpen the chainsaw, you must tension the chain more tautly than is usual when using it normally. In this way, the incisors keep their shape and can be sharpeneddo not tilt.
The most worn tooth on the chain is considered as the straightening tooth. The chainsaw is now clamped in a vice. If the tip of the straightening tooth points to the left, the guide rail should also be placed on the left when clamping. For a right-hand straightening tooth, clamp the guide bar to the right.
How to sharpen the chainsaw!
When sharpening, it is important to pay attention to the file diameter. If the files are too small, the chain will quickly become blunt again. If the files are too large, the cutting performance decreases. The manufacturers indicate the required file size on the packaging.
When sharpening the chainsaw, do the following:
-
- Activate chain brake
- Place the file gauge on the guide rail
- Place the file on the rolls of the file gauge
- Hold the file tightly on both sides
- File away from body
- count individual strokes to file evenly
mark sharpened incisors - Release chain brake
- Place the file gauge on the next incisor
- repeat the steps described
Once the first side has been completely processed, the chainsaw is clamped the other way around and processing continues as described.
Once all teeth have been machined, the saw blade is then checked. Any unevenness will be leveled out afterwards.
Tip: Chainsaws can be sharpened much easier and, above all, faster with a saw chain sharpener.
Storing chainsaws correctly
The storage of the chainsaw also determines its function and longevity.
➤ Empty fuel tank
Before winter, remove the fuel from the tank. Then you should clean the tank. To prevent the carburettor membranes from sticking, there should also be no more fuel.
The chainsaw should be started with idle speed. Then wait until it goes out on its own.
➤ Only store cleaned chainsaw!
Remove the guide bar and saw chain. After thorough cleaning, you should treat the components with protective oil. When cleaning, make sure that the air filter is clean. The cylinder ribs must also be cleaned thoroughly.
➤ Top up lubricating oil if necessary
If you use biological chain lubricating oil, you should fill up the tank completely. As a result, the lubricating oil hardens less quickly.If the oil is semi-synthetic, there is no risk of gumming up and the oil does not have to be topped up completely.
➤ Store chainsaw in a dry place
Store the chainsaw in a dry and airy place. Weather influences shorten the service life of the saw. Direct sunlight should also be avoided at the storage location so that the chain does not become brittle.
Chainsaws should not be stored openly. Most manufacturers deliver their products in special cases or bags. Children should not be given access to chainsaws. Therefore, storage in a locked cupboard is recommended.